Ancient philosophy was designed to be memorized, so that it could be “at hand” when we are confronted with tumultuous situations like the one Stockdale found himself in. … The students wrote these maxims down in their handbook, memorized them, repeated them to themselves, and carried them around–that’s the point of a handbook, so the teachings are procheiron, or “close at hand.”

Philosophy for Life and other Dangerous Situations, Jules Evans (2013) – p116

Oh! Hence handbook – something small that you carry with you to guide your actions or remember principles when the craziness of life messes up your mind. This got me thinking about what might be the beginnings of my handbook: the little ideas that run through my life. Here are some.

Happiness is a response. Happiness isn’t something you buy or pursue, nor is it something that happens to you or that someone gives to you. This feeling of well-being comes from how you decide to respond to the world.

It’s just stuff. A common refrain when we’re donating things to the thrift store, passing up on purchases, cleaning up after something breaks, and so on.

It is what it is. Work with it.

Life is short. Before, nothingness. After, nothingness. We know people for such a short time. This is okay; in fact, it makes life sweeter.

Life is long. There’s lots of things to learn, and you’re going to run into similar situations again and again. You don’t need to sweat over making the absolute best decisions, since you’ll probably be able to try out different options. Still, giving things a little thought helps, because you can reap the benefits over time.

“Enough” is in the mind. You have enough.

Celebrate small steps. Because they’re fun!

Everything is part of the story. Especially the tough parts. They make the story interesting.

Build on your strengths. Situations can often be transformed into similar situations that take advantage of your strengths instead of hitting your weaknesses. Likewise, you can translate your strengths into new ones.

See the third way. When you think something is the only way, or when you’re stuck with the dilemma of one or another, step back and see even more approaches. You don’t have to accept the way the problem is framed; look for creative solutions.

Choose what to assent to. Be careful about what you let into your brain. For example, just because advertising is compelling doesn’t mean you have to be compelled.

It’s okay to be weird. Life is a grand experiment. If you zig when other people zag, you might feel weird, but don’t worry – there are lots of people zigging in the grand scheme of things, too.

Share. Your memory is fuzzy and life is short. Get things out of your head and in a form that might help other people, and you could be pleasantly surprised by how it comes back.

A safety net helps you fly. It’s worth weaving a strong net so that you can take risks.

Everything will be okay. Things always work out, although sometimes it takes some time, action, or perspective.

Cats will be cats. There is no point in getting upset over out-of-the-litter-box thinking, throwing up, etc. Just tidy up and enjoy the purring and the fluffy cat-ness. The same can be said of much of life.

How wonderful can it be? Let that be your guiding question. Make life better.

Ask me again in five years and I’ll probably have added a few more. What’s in your handbook?

Hi Sacha! Recently, I had to learn the principles of “It’s just stuff.” and “Everything will be okay.” It’s nice to have such a handbook in place for tough times. Thank you for sharing your philosophy!
Cheers!
Laurie

Judy T.

Great list and pointing out the connection between handbook and having things at “hand”. Reminds me of the “commonplace book” made popular in 17th century, only a little more concise. One maxim I’ve had to really experience lately is “You can do anything, but not everything.” Helps me ground my ever-curious nature in reality.

Sue O’Mullan

I love this post! If you could maybe do a monthly post and continue to add to this original…? Love love love this!!!! Someone once told me that the level of happiness is directly related to the amount of grief that one has experienced. If someone has felt the deepest wells of grief – that person will be able to experience that great amount of pain. Make sense? I loved loved this!!!! It helps me through the challenging times… I have more – but I’ll stop there!!!! Love this post – you are such a wonderful writer!

Raymond Zeitler

I learned this in college: “Aim for success, not perfection.” Thank you for continuing to share your insights!